Safety Patrick Chung (foot) and offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer (back/foot) were absent for the second straight day as they battle back from injuries. This is the week many projected a Chung return, but his absences in practice could bring that to a halt. If he suits up on Friday, which he has in weeks past, there is a chance he could still hit the field on a Sunday for the first time since the beginning of November.

The team also announced the release of defensive back Malcolm Williams, who was drafted by the Patriots in the seventh round (219th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Texas Christian. He was originally released by the Pats in late August and then spent two stints on the New England practice squad.

Williams was signed to the 53-man roster from the practice squad last Saturday, and saw action on special teams against the Redskins.

Tune in to the Patriots-Broncos game Sunday on WBZ-TV and 98.5 The Sports Hub at 4:15pm. Pregame coverage begins Sunday morning at 11:30am on WBZ-TV with Patriots Gameday; pregame coverage on the Hub begins at 1pm. After the game, tune in to The Postgame Show on 98.5 and Patriots Fifth Quarter on MyTV38.